October 8, 2019 (MINNEAPOLIS) When our Nation’s President arrives in our city this Thursday, the men and women of the Minneapolis Police Department along with our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners will be focused on our primary responsibility to ensure the public safety of ALL who will participate in practicing their first amendment rights which include Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, and Peaceable Assembly.

The MPD will administrate a comprehensive, operational public safety plan which includes a highly visible and robust police presence in and around Target Center on Thursday. Because we expect larger than normal crowds for this Thursday’s events, both vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be significantly reduced around the Target Center in order to increase the public safety for all.  These areas will be clearly marked.  I am strongly urging all those who attend not to bring items such as:

– Back Packs

– Strollers

– Firearms, knives, weapons, sharp objects, shields, or fireworks

– Popup tents or canopies

– Cans, glass containers, pre-mixed beverages, or alcoholic beverages

– Wagons or pull carts

– Coolers

– Drones

– Pets (excluding certified service animals)

– Grills, propane tanks, or open flames

– Bicycles

– Flag poles, bats, clubs, sticks (including signs attached to sticks)

– Any athletic equipment or other item that could be used as a weapon

As peace officers everyone’s safety and security is of our utmost importance.  The Minneapolis Police Department intends to provide a safe and peaceful opportunity for people to exercise their Constitutional rights.  As such, I must emphasize that criminal conduct by anyone, including property damage, will not be tolerated.  Those individuals choosing to engage in such illegal behavior will be arrested and we will work with our criminal justice agencies to ensure they are properly charged to the full extent of the law.

For questions, contact:

Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov
(612) 673-5163

News Release

Contact: Sarah McKenzie, 612-673-2786

City closing streets around Target Center in preparation for President Trump’s rally at Target Center

Oct. 8, 2019 (MINNEAPOLIS) The City is planning limited street closures around Target Center ahead of President Trump’s political rally in Target Center Thursday evening.

Beginning 8 p.m. Wednesday, the following streets will be closed around Target Center:

• First Avenue North from Sixth Street North to Eighth Street North.
• Second Avenue North from Fifth Street North to 10th Street North.
• Sixth Street North between First Avenue North and Second Avenue North.
• Seventh Street North between Hennepin Avenue and 10th Street North; access to parking ramp will be provided.
• Twins Way between Seventh Street North and 10th Street North.

Interstate 394 to/from downtown access changes:

• Exit ramp to Sixth Street North will close 8 p.m. Wednesday.
• HOV entrance ramp at Third Avenue North and Fifth Street North will close 8 p.m. Wednesday.
• Access to Ramps A and B will close 9 a.m. Thursday. Ramps A and B may be accessed from local streets.

Minneapolis managed parking ramp facilities will be open for parking until full, including the ABC Ramps. On-street parking will be restricted in some areas of downtown to facilitate traffic operations.

Metro Transit expects to have regular service with detours as needed due to street closures. Riders from affected routes who are subscribed to receive alerts will see them Wednesday morning. Riders are also encouraged to stay tuned to Metro Transit’s social media channels for real time updates.

Shared scooters will not be available in Minneapolis on Thursday. Nice Rice stations and dockless hubs will also be out of service in the area near Target Center. Normal operations will resume Friday.

The City of Minneapolis has worked closely with other government agencies and partners on a traffic management plan to minimize disruption to traffic and parking as much as possible. Traffic conditions will be dynamic Thursday with the potential for increasing congestion by the end of the day. Traffic control agents will be coordinating traffic flow between buses, cars and pedestrians. Please follow their directions to make sure everyone gets in and out of downtown safely.

Note: Map of road closures attached

For questions, contact:

Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov
(612) 673-5163

• Target Center Event Road Closures External 10_8_19 Updated 236pm.pdf